Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar are heavenly together! This is a unique and delicious way to serve the beautiful local summer strawberries to your family and friends. The balsamic vinegar brings out the berries’ beautiful color and truly enhances their flavor. You will enjoy seeing the surprised look on your guests faces after they take the first bite of these Balsamic Strawberries. Great served with a simple pound cake, over vanilla ice cream, or simply by themselves. Everyone is are impressed but – I never tell them how easy it is to make.
Naturally the best strawberries are the ones you pick yourself from your local strawberry fields or purchase from your local produce stands and/or Farmers’ markets. In the stores, always choose locally grown strawberries during the harvesting season (they are sweeter and juicier than those that are bred for shipment). Remember, your local strawberry season only lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Learn all about Strawberry Hints, Tips, and Information.
- Fresh strawberries, washed, hulled or unhulled, and dried
- 1/2 cup aged Balsamic Vinegar, good quality*
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
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Selecting and Purchasing Strawberries:
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When purchasing berries from the grocery store, shop with your nose. Always pick the plumpest and most fragrant berries. They should be firm, bright, and fresh looking with no mold or bruises, and fresh green caps (stems). The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached. Berries should be dry and clean; usually medium to small berries have better eating quality than large ones.
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Use the berries as soon as possible as strawberries ripen no further once picked. Leave the caps (stems) on the strawberries until ready to eat or use in your recipes. For best flavor, do not wash the strawberries until you are ready to eat or use them. Moisture is the enemy when it comes to storing strawberries
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Place strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and powdered sugar in separate bowls.
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To serve, let each guest dip a fresh strawberry into the balsamic vinegar and then into the powdered sugar.
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Watch your surprised guests faces as they eat these strawberries.
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Serves many Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar.
* What is balsamic vinegar? Balsamic vinegar is a reduction made from grapes, but it is not considered a wine vinegar because the grape juice used is unfermented. The unfermented white sweet grape juice that is used is called must and comes from the Trebbiano grapes.
You will find lots of balsamic vinegars in your local stores. Some are worth their high price and others are not. For this delicious Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar purchase good-quality balsamic vinegar that is usually aged around ten years. If your budget will allow it, purchase the top grade and absolute best balsamic vinegar called Aceto Balsamico tradizionale. Determine which type of balsamic vinegar is for you to use in your cooking and different recipes: